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We'll be vigilant about Iraq fighters: PM

Tony Abbott says the government is redoubling its efforts to stop Islamist extremists who have fought in Syria or Iraq entering Australia.

And for anyone who has a right to enter the country but is suspected of fighting in the Middle East, the prime minister's message was clear: we'll be watching you.

The government believes about 150 Australians had fought or were still fighting with opposition groups in Syria and beyond - and some had moved from supporting moderates to backing extremists such as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

The Sunni militant group has taken over key cities in northern Iraq and is in striking distance of the capital Baghdad, with Canberra worried Australians may now be involved in the fighting.

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Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Attorney-General George Brandis have both expressed concern about the threat posed when those fighters return to Australia.

Mr Abbott says the government is taking the threat seriously.

"We are redoubling our vigilance at our borders to try to ensure that jihadists do not gain access to our country, or are monitored if they have the right of access to this country," Mr Abbott told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

Ms Bishop said Australians fighting with Middle Eastern militant groups would pose a danger if they return home.

"They're becoming radicalised, learning the terrorist trade, and if they come back to Australia of course it poses a security threat," she told ABC radio.

Ms Bishop says she has already cancelled a number of passports on the advice of intelligence agencies.